How To Buy A Mountain Bike That Is Right For You

Before driving to the local mountain bike shop with your wallet in hand, it may be a good idea to ask yourself what your goals are for mountain biking. Are you interested in riding the local fire roads near your house, or jumping off the steepest mountains at the state championship? Are you a seasoned rider looking to upgrade, or a new mountain bike rider purchasing his first MTB.

For most, a new mountain bike is an investment that will be enjoyed for many years. So determining your goals for mountain bike riding is the first step when selecting your new MTB. With plenty of riding styles out there, manufactures have responded by producing a selection of mountain bikes to fit your riding goals.

Buy the best mountain bike within your budget. If mountain bike riding is in your long-term future, spending as much as you can is usually best. Buying a bike with mid-level components similar to Shimano’s XT group is usually best in the long-term as compared to its lower LX class sibling.

If you decide to upgrade later on, it will cost you more to buy the component group separately than if you paid the extra money to get a better bike with the upgraded components as manufactures receive volume discounts that most retailers don’t. In addition, there is no installation cost, or you having to do it yourself.

Is it best to purchase a MTB from your local mountain bike shop or go online? The main benefits of buying online are a lower price and greater selection. However, one of the most important things to consider when purchasing a mountain bike is bike fit. Everyone has a different body structure so buying a MTB that maximizes your comfort and energy distribution is usually best.

Purchasing from your local mountain bike shop may cost you a bit more, but they are usually the local experts when fitting a bike to your physical frame. Trying to fit yourself with a bike fit expert over the phone or with online guides can only take you so far. A disadvantage with purchasing at your local MTB shop is selection. Bike stores typically are dealers that sale certain MTB brands so visiting a few bike shops in your area may be best to find that mountain bike that is right for you.

Another choice is to pay for a good bike fit from your local bike shop then order online with the stats provided and have your local bike shop fit the MTB to your measurements. However, most local MTB shops will include the bike fit if you buy a MTB from them. Weigh the options and savings to see which approach is best for your budget and time constraints.

Check out the forums and ask your fellow MTB riders. There is nothing like getting real world reviews of the MTB you’re thinking about from mountain bikers who are riding the MTB model you’re considering. With knowledge on the strengths and weakness of the MTB model, they are a great source of help.

Here are five universal mountain bike styles you may want to consider:

1. All-Mountain Bikes – If trails and climbing mountains is your thing, but also steep declines, you may want to consider an all-mountain bike. The geometry provides excellent stability in rough, steep situations as compared with the typical trail bike.

With four to six inches of suspension, the all-mountain MTB provides good trail riding, plus allows you to take-on light stunt work too. If the trails, freeriding and downhill riding interest you, an all-mountain bike may be the best MTB for you.

2. Cross-Country Race Bikes – If off-road speed is the name of your game, than this bike is for you. With steep angles, and three to four inches of travel, cross-country race bikes handle well and are fast on moderate terrain.

3. Cross-Country Trail Bikes – these MTB bikes are it if you are looking for an all around mountain bike. With three to five inches of suspension travel, these MTB bikes provide good comfort, and climb with maximum efficiency. If you’re a mountain bike rider who likes challenging terrain, this MTB may be for you.

4. Downhill Race Bikes – if you’re a downhiller looking for speed, this may be the mountain bike for you. With six inches plus suspension travel and a strong, well built frame, these MTB bikes can take it down the mountain. However, if you love to climb trails, the added weight may make your climb a bit tougher.

5. Hardtail Bikes – If you like the pavement, or a smooth off-road course, a hardtail may be the best MTB for you. With front-only suspension, it is lighter and usually less expensive than most dual suspension mountain bikes out there.

When choosing a MTB, consider that each type has its strengths and weaknesses on the trail. Remember, when you have more suspension and a sturdier frame, you have more weight and tougher hill climbs ahead of you, but easier downhill’s.

Finding out which riding style you enjoy the most then working backwards to other styles may be the best starting point for choosing your new mountain bike.

Keith Rejino is a personal trainer, mountain biker, and sports photographer for Dreamscape Images. His XC Mountain Bike website provides MTB race coverage, and training and nutrition tips for the mountain biker. For more information on how to Buy A Mountain Bike, check out Dreamscape Images MTB site.

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August 24 2010 | cycling | No Comments »

How To Make Your Cycle Safe To Ride?

The tires of cycle is one of the first things that require your attention when you’re adjusting your bicycle. Since your cycle was resting idle for some time, the air in tires will have escaped out logically. There may also be a likely leak in the tires of the bicycle. Ready your tires by filling in air. Also, ensure that you look for a leak.

Keep the air pressure of your motorcycle in balance at all times to make certain efficacy. The perfect amount of air pressure makes it easier and smoother to pedal the motorbike. It additionally helps protect the rims of your motorcycle from any damage.

Next in order of relevance to tires is chain. The chain of the cycle is going to wear away when left idle for some time. There are possibilities the chain might not grip the gears as the cycle was idle for pretty some time. In most scenarios, lubrication of the chain alone aids. Nevertheless, there might be some conditions, where the chain may ought to be replaced altogether.

The breaks of your cycle also ought to be examined for. Make sure that the brake pads have not worn out absolutely. These days, brake pads come with marks suggesting whether or not the brake pads have worn away. Changing brake pads every season is Additionally a good idea. This is mainly because even in case the brake pads haven’t worn away thoroughly, you will not be able to enjoy the grip that you desire.

Provide a complete checking to the housing ‘n the cables used in the bike. Check for any kinks, fissures and the like in the wires. Frequently the proficiency of the bike is greatly hampered due to accumulation of rust on the different parts. Look in case there is any such corroding. In case you spot a rust deposit, wipe it clean with aid of an anti rusting solution. If the corroding still persists, it’s in your benefit to alter the rusted component completely.

Yet an additional crucial measure that could aid fine tune your bike is lubrication. For most satisfactory results it’s a sensible idea to lubricate all the moving parts. Do not neglect derailleur at all. This moving component is very certain to attract a lot of moisture and dirt which could obstruct smooth functioning of the bike. Lubricate all the moving parts completely specifically when the cycle has been resting idle for extended long time. Pay close attention to lubricating the brakes ‘n the derailleurs in specific.

Bicycling could be a whole lot of fun, and perhaps even much more so, once it is been fine tuned for security. Provide your bike with ample upkeep and you may enjoy many hours of fun and exercising with it.

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May 07 2010 | bicycle | No Comments »